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Phiale (Libation Dish)

c. 500–400 BCE
bronze
Diameter: 17.6 cm (6 15/16 in.)
Gift of Vivian Merrin 1980.296
Location: 102B Greek
Public Domain
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Did You Know?

The central projection within the phiale is called an omphalos (“navel”).

Description

This phiale or libation dish takes the form of a shallow bowl with a round protrusion in the center. Dishes of this type were used for many different rituals: when asking for blessings or good fortune, giving thanks, praying for fertility, and when celebrating athletic victories or weddings. Pouring libations for the gods was one of the oldest forms of worship in the ancient world.

Phiale (Libation Dish)

c. 500–400 BCE

Greece

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